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The following is a fanfiction I've been working on off on for sometime. I'll be posting in parts by chapter. Broken Talon Prologue The two Blackshields stood facing each other, each in their Mk4 battle plate daubed in black, almost all sign of their original legion destroyed aside from the cobalt blue of their left pauldron and a faded Ultima rune barely visible on the right. All around them was the final preparations of their warband as battle brothers, serfs, and even the occasional Imperial Army trooper readied the flight of Xiphon Interceptors, Thunderhawks, Stormbirds, and more for the final attack to come. “Well Captain, here we are again.” the slightly shorter of the two said with grin, his face stocky and dark with a scar stretching across his cheek bone. His deep brown eyes shone with a humor undulled by years of civil war, even the abandonment of legion. “So it seems.” The other replied solemnly, his complexion tan and dark brown hair close cropped, his green eyes hard, but a certain softness to them that belied his nature of a care for those of his cause, beyond simple ties of brotherhood. He sighed and looked at the waiting aircraft around them as the noise of starting engines began to fill the air, “I fear this may be the last time we see each other, Idris.” “Oh please, you’ve said that before, yet we’re still here!” the other laughed, wrapping his knuckles against the chestplate of his commander and friend, before letting his voice drop, “Though I do see what you mean. The scions spoke to me, they say evil witchcraft permeates that destroyer. I do have my reservations at fighting warpcraft without a psyker, but we will make do.” The other nodded, “We always do.” he replied, removing his helmet from his side and clicking it into place with a hiss of pressure sealant, “Regardless, some of us need to survive. Word is that things on Terra are soon to come to an end, and we need to be ready. If we do not survive, destroy the site from orbit.” the Captain replied, “We cannot allow Calavon to fall. It is up to us to ensure these mortals have a home after we are gone.” “What? Again?” the other complained seemingly oblivious to the reasoning of his Commander, “Every time! You get to go charge off with the final battle while I have to stay on the ship?” “You know it's for the best. Or do you really want Chabor to take over our merry little band to meet the victor of Terra?” the Captain asked, a wry grin coloring his tone to his old friend even through the modulating tone of his helmet’s vox. Nearby a Knight in white and blue livery strode by on its way to the front, shaking the ground slightly with each footfall, but the Astartes paid it no heed. “Oh by the Emperor…” the other put on an aghast look, before putting on his own helmet with play for urgency, “I best ensure that never happens. He would probably do more damage to us than the enemy!” he laughed, coming out as a bark through his helmet. The pair of Legionnaires clasped gauntlets, and nodded to each other, “Good hunting Captain, see you back aboard the Triumph. Kill a few Word Bearers for me will you?” The Captain grinned under his helm, “If there’s enough left after I’ve had my own count, I think I could manage.” Flak fire exploded all around as the downed Word Bearers destroyer fired what batteries it had operational at the incoming flight of warbirds from the Blackshield Warband known as the Broken Talons. The Captain flew his own Thunderhawk, expertly avoiding each flak burst with a skill borne of decades of flying for his original Legion, far beyond what the psycho-indoctrination of other Astartes allowed. The flak fire suddenly lifted as auspex alert chimes warned of Word Bearer Xiphons storming in. This was their final stand, and so were throwing what pitiful remnants they had left at the Warband. Their attempt to usurp the Knight World of Calavon had failed, and the Broken Talons were simply there to tear out the last of their corruption. The warband’s own Xiphons split and engaged the incoming hostiles in what was by numbers an even fight, but under their Captain, the Broken Talons had become exceptional pilots all even by Legionary standards. Even as the transports dived at the downed space vessel, the first Word Bearer Xiphon fell flaming from the sky. The Thunderhawk, flanked by Stormbirds came to a screaming landing outside an identified rent in the hull torn upon by its crash landing. The Captain left the pilot’s seat for another more junior officer to take his place as he grabbed his Tigris pattern bolter and roared into his vox, “Let us put down these rabid traitor dogs once and for all!” as he strode into the transport compartment of the Thunderhawk. The warriors of assorted legions all exclaimed their own approvals and war-chants as the ramp began to lower. Even then, the remaining mortal servants of the Word Bearers who had attacked Calavon charged out from the wreck, heedless of the hundreds of meters of space between them and the legionnaires. The Captain strode out firing, his camo-line cloak flowing behind him as his warriors followed, joined by heavy bolter fire from the gunships. From the Stormbirds other warriors in black emerged firing, slaughtering the mortal host with as much dispassion as the Captain’s group. Under the fusilade of fire, the mortals charging them obliterated, and despite their headlong reckless charge, not a single one came close enough to attempt to deploy their suicide packs and melta charges. Those only added to their self destruction, tearing great chunks out of their numbers before the horde finally came to a trickle then ceased. The Captain opened a general vox to his host, “Onwards! The Word Bearers cower in their shelter, they think they're safe, but we shall show them the error of their ways. Be ready for anything those cowardly dogs think they might throw at us!”. A hundred strong, the warband moved into wreck, as the gunships rose to tear at the remaining weapons of the destroyer. For having fallen from orbit, the vessel remained surprisingly intact, its crew having managed an expert controlled crash, but as with any space vessel, its interior was still a veritable maze. Yet unlike in a space battle, there were only two objectives - the Warp Engines, and the bridge. The former in case the Word Bearers sought to coax them to life to self distrust, and the latter for being the likely center of operations of the Word Bearers. The Captain led one detachment towards the Bridge, and as they approached through the enclosed corridors of the small vessel, traitor resistance steadily switched from mortal chaff to enemy legionnaires. The Warband’s numbers advantage however proved decisive as the Word Bearers, worn by attrition in the war for Calavon, were badly outnumbered. When one choke point was found, teams were simply routed around through the maze of passages to flank it. As the Captain and his command squad entered the final room before the Bridge, three Word Bearers from behind makeshift barricades opened fire, attempting to turn the space between them and the loyalist Warband into a kill zone. The Captain led a charge, a bolt round ricocheting off his pauldron and spinning him, yet he caught himself and fell upon the traitors, his power sword plunging through ceramite with ease as his brothers tore the other two apart. “Casualties?” He asked, pulling his blade from the traitor’s twin hearts and looking back to the crowd of black legionnaires around him, almost adding to the gloom of the dark room. “Pratus lost a hand to a bolt shell, but he’ll live. The Claw detachment reports one fallen, Kaeston, geneseed recovered.” The apothecary Vaskon reported with a salute. An Astartes near him with a freshly sealed wound where his right hand once was nodded. The Captain was processing this, he felt a prickle along the back of his neck and a metallic tang fill his mouth, “Quick, get this door open. I would rather not discover what surprises the traitors have in store by completing them.” he said, moving aside as legionnaires moved forward and attached melta charges to the sealed armored doors to the bridge. The warband took cover as a stark white flash and bang of melta charges blew the doors in, then charged forward. The bridge was a charnel house, a handful of Word Bearer legionnaires ritualistically sacrificing the remains of their mortal command staff. All around symbols daubed in blood that hurt to look at covered the small bridge of the destroyer, centered around a single Word Bearer sorcerer chanting in guttural tones as he held aloft a strange stone knife. The Captain raised his bolt pistol and fired as the ritual reached its crescendo and the sorcerer swiped down with the blade. The shot staggered the sorcerer as he cut, and with horror the Captain watched a tremendous tear in reality rip open from the slash. The yawning black tear into nothingness seemed to want to consume all, tugging hard at the Captain and even the Word Bearers. the Sorcerer caught hold of a command console just in time to avoid being sucked in. His comrades were not so lucky, being consumed by the widening portal with screams of anger. The eyes of the unhelmed, ritualistically scarred sorcerer glared with inhuman hatred at the blackshields as they fought against the sucking void of the tear. “May the Gods toss you like the sands of time itself so that you might live to see all you fight for crumble and die! Your false emperor shall fall!” he cursed at them, his voice barely audible over the screaming void. The sorcerer suddenly let go of the console he was clinging to, being yanked off his feet and swallowed by the yawning cut in reality. As if in response, the portal seemed to drag at the blackshields with even more vigor. One was pulled off their feet, the Captain catching them quickly by the gauntlet as he held onto the breached bulkhead door. Others began to tumble, one after the other being consumed as even their own superhuman strength failed against the power of the vortex. Just as the Captain thought he might hold on through, the weakened door to the bridge cracked and crumbled sending him and the legionnaires clinging to it spilling towards the void. Time seemed to stretch as he approached its gaping maw as brothers he had fought alongside for years cartwheeled helplessly next to him. The darkness seemed to reach out for them, and suddenly, all was still. The Captain was alone, falling…falling…falling, blind to the miasma of the place between spaces he had been flung. His howls echoed in his ears, but his brothers were gone. And still he fell, for an instant and an eternity, damned to a future he knew not, where suspicion ruled, and he like the rest of the galaxy would know no peace.

+++INTRODUCTION+++ The Sa’hrk-Hunters were the 4th Scout Squad of the Salamanders 7th Company, and were the only Scout Squad to deploy to Dakota Minor in 884M41. They did not participate in the siege of Dakota Primus, out of concern of losing the remaining future Space Marines. Once the siege was thwarted and the bulk of Imperial forces redeployed to the Adatok Wastelands to finish the Orks, Scout Sergeant Kareldek took his neophytes into the hab-blocks of Dakota Primus to flush out and destroy any stubborn Ork remnants. Sergeant Kareldek and the Scout Marines of the Sah’rk-Hunters (4th Scout Squad, 7th Company) The Sah’rk-Hunters take their name after the saurian pack-predators that roam the deserts of Nocturne. Sergeant Kareldek would frequent these deserts to test the skill and prowess of his newer neophytes. The Sah’rk-Hunters engage a hold-out of Orks and Gretchin within the Dakotra Primus hab-blocks. Two squads of scouts from the Chapters 7th Company accompanied the Yttrius Crusade, prior to the Salamanders’ arrival in the Matteus Subsector. More than two thirds of their number were killed or incapacitated, leaving only five active members by the beginning of the Dakota Minor attack. They were initially held back during the Siege of Dakota Primus, out of concern of losing the remaining future Space Marines. After the Dakota Primus siege, Captain R’Keth instructed Sergeant Kareldek to assist the DMDC in the decontamination efforts and continue their tutelage in the field. +++SQUAD MEMBERS+++ The 4th Scout Squad consisted of the following members: Aru Kareldek (Sergeant) Inducted 808M41 Full impantation Kareldek is a veteran Astartes whom recently dedicated himself to teaching the future of the chapter. He was formerly a Sergeant of the 6th Company 3rd Tactical Squad, but after a bitter feud with his Captain he was re-assigned as Sergeant of the 7th Company. He does not begrudge this sanction, as it renewed his sense of purpose within the Chapter. He has established himself as a stern but wise instructor. Scout Sergeant Aru Kareldek Fel Corr Inducted 878M41 Implant Phase: 18 The most senior neophyte, Corr is eagerly awaiting his final implants and ascending to the mantle of Space Marine. He is ambitious and overly willing to prove himself to Kareldek and his fellow battle-brothers, often to the veteran Astartes’ frustration. Scout Marine Fel Corr Xavidi Cikar Inducted 880M41 Implant Phase: 15 A devout neophyte, Cikar much idolises the Primarch Vulkan, and strives to live by his ideals and abilities on and off the battlefield. He has demonstrated an artistic flair in his works, though his blacksmithing skills need improvement. Kareldek has remarked that Cikar was the most promising initiate he has taught thus far. Scout Marine Xavidi Cikar N’Kar Augean Inducted 880M41 Implant Phase: 15 Augean is the lone survivor of the 5th Scout Squad, whom had fallen in combat during the ill-fated Yttrius Crusade. His exuberance has waned given these recent events, prompting concern from Kareldek and the Reclusiam. He is a gifted marksmen and well-versed in maintaining the Astartes arsenal. Scout Marine N'Kar Augean Kadmas Sat’ra Inducted 883M41 Implant Phase: 13 The youngest Aspirant, Sat’ra is still hesitant and subservient. He is still learning the Astartes arsenal; as of present he is mastering the flamer. He looks to Kareldek for guidance on many issues, despite the Sergeant’s attempts to nurture the individualism and self-reliance befitting a Salamander. Scout Marine Kadmas Sat'ra +++END ARTICLE+++

Original thread start from here. First posts are copy-pasted as regard 40k content, the rest will be running updates. Welcome! This is the log where I'll post anything which I've converted and/or painted for others. Most of my hobby work is not done for my own armies, but rather for my brother's and our friends' collections. It's a great way to experience modelling and painting all miniatures in Warhammer without buying them. Background might be added later on as my friends work that out. This update is however not about something as lethal as cats. It's about something pathetic in comparison, namely a Maulerfiend conversion I've been working on-and-off with for a Skaven-collecting friend of mine. It's based on a sketch he drew. My buddy magnetized a rectangular base so that it could be used as a K'daai Destroyer. He was so eager about the conversion that he managed to sneak it past other projects in my queue... Still, the sculpting was surprisingly quick work and was over before you knew it. Couldn't have done it so fast three years ago: And here's the painted version, alongside his brother. Not painted by me (though the Squats in the foreground are): The CSM-collecting friend, let's call him J.A.B, inspected the newer starter kit Chaos Space Marine lord and Khârn, as well as the new Primaris Marines and probably a few older Space Marine character sculpts. He concluded that hip armour looks good and solves the silly look achieved by the thin thighs of plastic Space Marine legs. Some weeks ago, he visited his parents, brought a gaggle of heretical Marines and asked me to make hip armour on them. Quicksculpted, without time-consuming rivets, difficult spikes or suchlike. He was content, and after returning home to his study town he sent down Berzerkers to receive like treatment, and a FW Necron centipede which needed replacement antennae. I've tinkered with them since they arrived yesterday. Below are the results. Note "KIL KIL KIL" on the knife Berzerker's segmented plates. Also see his painted Lord of Change. http://i.imgur.com/6BKPi38.jpg WIP for my brother's little power armoured collection. Grey Knight legs and helmets and Sanguinary Guard shoulder pads and torsos. Hip plates added to remedy thin thighs syndrome. Cloaks from Anvil Industry to be added later: A Dark Eldar turned into an Eldar Fire Dragon converted for my brother. He thoroughly checked the Dark Eldar sprues back when they were new, and meticulously came up with ways to turn all manner of DE weaponry into Eldar Aspect Warriors with a little converting. More to come: Converted Slaaneshi Daemonprince for a friend: My friend told me to axe the @$$ and instead go for a lean Daemon Prince of Arrogance look, not Lust. As per his instructions, there is now also shin armour plates with images of Elf torture: What else? I also added two lone flowing pteruges dangling from its belt. I'll show you the painted end result whenever he finish this creation: Kill Team A mate of ours has moved back home after years of studying abroad, while a friend of my brother have returned to the hobby after a long break. Combine this with the recently released Kill Team, and we've got a hobby frenzy cooking with making characters, goons and terrain for a mash-up campaign between Kill Team and RPGs. Here is the first harvest of quick-sculpting and conversions, soon back to commercial sculpts. Kastellan Ironstrider, a mate's cyborg: Badoom! Broadbeard, a loudmouth one-Dwarf illegal radio station sending live from his heists and battles. My character: Gnorke Radfizzle, a Gnome sharpshooter with rad weapons, for my brother's friend: The gang so far: Gnorke Radfizzle's car: The friend who has written all the rules and organizes the whole effort has had me convert a gaggle of goons. Here's psyker Spikeskull: And Badoom! Broadbeard's hateful rival, Adman: And finally Gnorke Radfizzle painted by said friend (I had nothing to do with painting). My brother's mate is in for a treat! I've painted nothing of the Kill Team stuff, only converted it. All painted by Johan von Elak, for your display here. Badoom! Broadbeard: During most of our Kill Team-RPG games we've actually had music playing to represent both the immediate sonic barrage emitted by Broadbeard's loudspekers, and the music he transmits across hacked radio channels (with comments of media moguls jumping from windows as their enterprises gets destroyed by Broadbeard's escapades). He obviously also report live from the field, and is the lousiest sneak, at skulking up on enemies, you've ever encountered. Clearly, the audio-disturbed mister Broadbeard has ruined many lives through his noisome adventures. Which leads us to...

As far as I can see this wasn't announced anywhere, but you can download a Night Lords unit for CSM: https://assets.warhammer-community.com/eng_nemesis_claw_datasheet_card-hbjsmqk8aw-5gdhkm3hzf.pdf

Hey Guys! So, like so many others here, I've decided to create a PLOG (or BLOG) for the creation of my primaris army. Important: I plan to actually try and get around to painting this stuff, unlike my hundreds of standard Blood Angels Astartes. The original goal had been to build the starter set and get those painted, but a nice chap I know offered to trade his Primaris for my Death Guard, which i (unsurprisingly) accepted. I had also ordered a few bits from Bits and Kits too... Anyway, so why do I care about Primaris? For me they look how I've always imagined marines, the proportions look so much better than just about any True Scale marine I've seen, although there are a few that I thing come pretty close. I also am in the minority, in that I like the way the background is going, I actually like the idea that the Imperium isn't on a total back foot for the first time in probably the full 10 millenia since the Heresy! I can totally get behind the idea that a secret project to create better Astartes was sanctioned but because of the bureaucracy and shear inefficiency of the Imperium, such a project could then languish when it was desperately needed. Sure, I get that it's "Just GW trying to sell models", of course it is, its a business. But for me at least, I actually like the way the background is going (WE MOVED FORWARD IN TIME! HOORAY!!). As some of you may know, I've been in the hobby around 21 years now. And I've also been a member of this forum for the since 2004, I've seen so many inspirational things come out of this forum and I'm always greatful for the awesome stuff people come up with! So thanks for that As any of you that came across my old Blood Angels blog, or maybe some of my older porjects even on here will know, I usually like to do fairly substantial conversions, lots of reposing and sculpting. I imagine this project will eventually get more of that too, but for now, I'm focusing on keeping things reasonably simple, so I can get things to a point I'm happy to paint in a reasonable amount of time and (hopefully!) actually get stuff painted. I'll still be doing conversions on things of course, but probably not much in the way of heavy sculpting beyond stuff like hair and little details. The concept for my army, will be the soldiers assigned to 2nd Company to replenish it after the events of Angels Blade/Traitors Hate and then the Devastation of Baal. Once that book (or other helpful sources) comes out, I'll probably do a minor reshuffle to fit whatever official format GW Assigns Primaris in the Blood Angels chapter. I am hoping the info on existing Astartes being 'upgraded' proves to be true, but if not I'll work around it. But I'd like to 'upgrade' my Aphael to Primaris status, probably once I've got the new captain in hand and can work it out. Anyway, so here's what I've done so far! EVERY IMAGE IS CLICKABLE TO SEE A LARGER VERSION What you see above is Four Intercessor squads, Two Hellblaster squads, Three Ancients, Four Lieutenants and a Captain in Gravis Armour. There are also a set of Intercessors, but I cannot finish building those till I have painted the heads and sprayed the bodies. For the Lieutenants, I have built two stock, with a a shoulder pad change on one of them and some BA blood drop bling added to both - didnt bother taking extra pictures of those two. I then have a second ranged Lieutenant with a bit more of an involved conversion: He has a hand from one lieutenant, body from the other, an arm from a lieutenant with the hand from a sergeant, a shoulder pad swap, replaced the pistol on his waist with one from the mk3 kit, head from a hellblaster sergeant. Overall I'm pretty happy that I've managed to make him quite distinctive from the standard two. I then have probably my favourite model so far - Again, the conversion is simple, but I feel it's worked very nicely for pose, leaning forward like he has just completed an arcing slash with the sword. I need to sculpt hair on him still, unsure on exact style I'll go for, probably messy short hair. For the Intercessors, Squad 1: This squad has a few shoulder pad swaps (every squad has a few), Sergeant is close to stock, different right arm (one from a lieutenant, with the bolter from the sergeant, used the sergeant arm, but replaced the hand with one holding a bolter clip from the blood angels tactical squad. Sqaud 2: This unit is almost built stock, just some shoulder pad changes. Squad 3: This squad again had a few shoulder pad changes, sergeant uses a bionic arm from devastators, head is a sergeant head with hair shaved down (he'll stay bald), quite happy with how he looks. Squad 4: This unit is again, fairly stock, simple head swap on the walking and shooting marine, sergeant had a shoulder swap (this was the first unit I built) Next Is Ancient 1 and Hellblaster Squad 2: The Hellblaster squad has every model with a shoulder swap, sergeant uses head from a Lieutentant and has both pads swapped.Ancient is totally stock except for a tiny bit of BA bling added to his belt (one of the scroll pouches). Ancient 2, Hellblaster Squad 1 and Ancient 3: Ancient 2 has a head from assault squad and both shoulder pads replaced. Hellblasters have a couple pads replaced but are otherwise totally standard, Ancient 3 has a bolter arm from a sergeant, head from devastators and a little bling added to his backpack, banner top replaced with a bit from BA tactical kit - I see this Ancient as a marine that was 'upgraded', or if that turns out to not be something that happens, one of the first BA Primaris, along the lines of the Ancient from Dark Imperium Book. And finally, a shot of Everything that is built as it stands: The Gravis Captains back isn't stuck on, so I can paint the helmet easier. It's a stock model, I'm thinking of trying to do a fairly elaborate conversion with the second, but thats low priority for now. So, still to build I have: a third hellblaster squad, a fifth intercessor squad, a second inceptor squad, a second gravis captain and two more lieutenants. I plan to build the Inceptors for sure, but may hold off on the others for now. I will definitely be picking up two Repulsors, a Redemptor, both the regular and birthday Captains, the Librarian and probably just the one set of Reivers for the time being. I personally love the Repulsor, it looks awesome, I'm very interested to see the rules for it, I am excited to see how it plays and hopeful that it'll help with Primaris playability on the table - I recognise that they aren't deemed good currently. The Redemptor looks great, I am interested to see what build options it has, something with a smaller central plate would be good, and I'm really wanting an exposed helmet sat in there instead of the sarcophagus, but think I may be able to convert that using spare BA dread bits anyway. The HQ models all look good, albeit a little unexciting, but they'll also likely be where I focus most of my conversion efforts. The Reivers show great promise in concept, and I absolutely love the stripped down armour, but the poses aren't great, so I'll see what I can do there... a fellow Frater over in the BA forum suggested they might look good with Alabaster Death Masks... and now I need to at least look at that for an option!. Anyway, if you got this far, thanks for reading! C&C welcome as always.

The story of Humanity in the dark future is the descent of Man into fanatic barbarism: The story of a fall from shining heights of power, knowledge and bliss in ancient times, to a present nightmare of ignorance, misery and slaughter. Descendant Degeneration "Ancient Man lived a life free of hardship and deprivation, for he had built himself an abundant paradise and banished what was ill in life. In these gardens sprawling across the stars, Man did not kill Man, and Man did not abduct Woman, and Man did not beat Child, for all lived a life of bliss. Hope reigned supreme, a hope sprung from Man's great achievements, and Man worshipped his own high knowledge. For Man had utterly mastered nature, and his craft and cunning tapped into the very powers of creation itself. And Man of Gold had created Man of Stone to work for him, and Man of Stone had in turn created Man of Iron to work for him. And thus this earthly trinity of Man bestrode the stars like a colossus, and Man stood strong and unchallenged by mortals. And Man dared the cosmos to best him, and for a time nothing in the heavens answered his challenge, and Man concluded that nothing holy existed, and even if divinity did exist, then Man's might was far superior. Yet Man's own arrogance rose to meet his challenge, and in his hubris Man was cut down by his own creations. Man of Iron turned on Man of Stone, and when Man of Stone had fallen did Man of Iron turn on Man of Gold. A great slaughter across the stars ensued, and Man barely survived the war in paradise which he had brought upon himself. Yet even so Man's hubris and unbelief persisted, for Man still clung onto the remains of his estates, and Man was determined to rebuild and rise higher than ever before. The devastation had been great, yet Man stood triumphant even against the might of his own treacherous craft. And Man dared creation itself to interfere with his worldly ascendance. And Dark Ones of Hell festering at the roots of the universe heard Man's call of defiance, and they cast Man down utterly by sending him witches and unholy ravages, strife and madness. The false Golden Age of Man had proven to be nothing but a Dark Age of Technology, an era empty of faith and bereft of divine blessings, and thus did paradise burn. And so Man was torn from his pedestal, and in his fall did Man topple his own works. Man bled and Man suffered. Man killed Man, and Man abducted Woman, and Man beat Child, and Man ate his own kin in desperation during Old Night. Doom was laden upon Man, and Man almost died to the last for his baleful sins, yet the goodness in the heart of the hidden Emperor would not allow such a righteous end to befall wretched Man. For He on Terra arose amid the carnage and devastation and revealed Himself to be the only true protector of Mankind, chosen by all the gods of old, whom He now superseded. And the Emperor saved Man and reclaimed the lost stars, and for a time all was well. Yet the wickedness in the heart of Man proved too strong, and so Man betrayed his saviour and nigh-on slew the Emperor. And the Emperor ascended into godhood and decreed Man to do eternal penance for his abominable sins. And thus it shall be, as the God-Emperor Himself decreed: Man will be made to repent. We swear everlasting hatred toward the deviant and the mutant. We swear everlasting hatred toward the alien and the witch. We swear everlasting hatred toward the unbeliever and the heretic. We swear everlasting hatred toward the sinner and the unrepentant. With the God-Emperor as our witness, we swear to purge blasphemy and sin from this world. We swear to scour the land and rid it of filth. We swear to harrow the abodes of Man and bring him to redemption. For we will harbour no pity. No remorse. No mercy. Hate! An emotion as deep as it is pure. Hate! An emotion as true as it is just. Hate! Let it flow, let it guide you. Hate! Hate! Hate!" - Ancestral Sins of Man, pamphlet penned in M.38 by Cardinal Ignatius Paulinus Hieronymus of Salem Proctor - - - One of the very best aspects of Warhammer 40'000 is its overarching history for Humanity. It starts with soaring hopes and dazzling progress, with unfettered science, technology and optimism. Yet it end in flames and darkness, in despair and ignorance, where only feeble sparks of the great ancient light remains. The Emperor's bloody conquest across the Milky Way galaxy succeeded in uniting most of the Human worlds, yet even during the Imperium's short-lived age of progress did it manage to quell alternative sources of Human rebirth, such as the Auretian Technocracy. The Imperium of the Great Crusade stamped out any middle ground factions, such as the peaceful, nomadic and xenophile Diasporex, leaving little left but the two ruthless, polar opposites of tyrannic Imperium and bloodthirsty Chaos. When the Emperor fell, the Human renaissance died with him, and his merciless Imperium descended into a long age of rotting stagnation and fanatic savagery. This lost promise of Humanity's ancient ascendancy has always been the most intriguing aspect of the dark future to me. The above little painting was inspired by listening to 's well-crafted videos on this very topic. I warmly recommend them.

Hey everyone, welcome to my WIP thread, showcasing my ongoing work on my main 40k army, my World Eaters, and their allies, the band of traitorous Imperial Guard known to the galaxy as "Urash's Marauders". I realise that some of you probably already know my thread in the Hall of Honour section. Now I've chosen to open a WIP thread for two reasons: One, I am far better (and faster) at converting and kitbashing than I am at painting. So this thread will give me the chance to keep posting new stuff even while I haven't managed to finish the paintjob on the models in question Two, the number of truly creative and spectacular threads in this section - like Brother Heinrich's Night Lords or 1000Heathen's Heresy thread, to name but two - is truly astounding and inspiring, and I would like to be a part of that ;-) Like I said, my World Eaters have always been, and continue to be, my most important 40k project. I worked on them back when I was a teenager, and they are the army i pretty much immediately returned to when getting back into the hobby in late 2010 after a longer hiatus. So before I show you the unpainted, work in progress stuff - warts and all - let me just share a few impressions of the painted part of my World Eaters as it stands right now: Here's a look at almost all of the painted models. I give you Khorne's Eternal Hunt: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518400-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg My World Eaters' background is that they are the remnants of the 12th Astartes legion's 4th assault company. While most of the legion fractured into small warbands after the Skalathrax campaign, the 4th still functions as a fairly coherent fighting force. And even though this force is reasonably similar to other World Eaters’ forces all over the galaxy, there’s one marked difference: The legionaries of the 4th are still clinging fiercely to their martial honour, a remnant of their past as the Warhounds Astartes legion. They feel that it is only their honour that still gives them purpose, and so they are eternally trawling the galaxy for powerful warriors and worthy prey, a never ending hunt in the service of the Blood God – hence the name. Let me show you some more pictures: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518402_sm-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg A model I am really proud of is my converted Heldrake, called the "Hellrazor": http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518404-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG Building and painting Chaos Lords in Terminator armour is a lasting addiction of mine, so here are some of them: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518405-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg And there’s an equally large collection of Chaos Lords in power armour, of course. Among them my converted Dark Apostle (shown on the left): http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518406-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg Then there’s a small collection of champions and models I painted just for fun (among them the starts of a dedicated gladiator squad). While several of those concepts may be spun off into an own squad, all of these “stragglers” together can almost make up another berzerker squad: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518407-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg And finally, there’s the beginnings of a small detachment of traitorous Space Wolves, led by one "Joras Turnpelt". These will be used as "regular" Chaos Space Marines (optionally granted the Mark of Khorne), whenever the battle plan calls for some bolter-wielding personnel: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518408-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.jpg All in all, that's quite a collection already: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/7/19/518401-Army%2C%20Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Khorne%27s%20Eternal%20Hunt.JPG In addition to the models seen above, there are also some more recent additions (or simply models I am pretty proud of). Such as... ...my custom Dark Apostle Stian Gul (wielding a huge warhorn, since hearing its sounds will always prove more inciting to the World Eaters than any sermon could ever hope to be) and my custom Warpsmith Deracin, Keeper of the Forge: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/8/13/527022-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lord%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Huntmaster%2C%20Khorne.JPG Both models were completely build from various plastic parts. And there's my newest Daemon Engine, dubbed the "Wargrinder": http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/9/6/534840-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Counts%20As%2C%20Daemon%20Engine%2C%20Decimator.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/9/6/534846-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Counts%20As%2C%20Daemon%20Engine%2C%20Decimator.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/8/30/532668-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Counts%20As%2C%20Decimator%2C%20Dreadknight%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Kitbash.JPG And, last but not least, my World Eaters can be accompanied by an allied regiment of Traitor Guard, Urash's Marauders. This is still a fairly small detachment, and I mostly use the project to build and paint whatever takes my fancy: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/10/31/426663-Chaos%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Lntd%2C%20Lost%20And%20The%20Damned%2C%20Marauders%2C%20Paintjob%2C%20Renegades.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/10/12/420624-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Cultists%2C%20Dark%20Vengeance%2C%20Starter%20Box%2C%20Traitor%20Guard%2C%20Traitors.JPG So yeah, so much for the recap of the painted part of my army. If you would like to see more of those guys, you're very welcome to head over to my Hall of Honour thread and check them out. And now for the less finished stuff Let me just start by posting some of the things that I am currently working on (or that have already been built but still lack some colour). First up, my Chaos Terminators. I have been in love with Terminators as a unit type for a very long time, and this has nothing to do with their rules. There’s just something about these colossal, armoured behemoths that really clicks with me. And from a converter’s perspective, the added size compared to regular Marines offers lots of room for customisation, dramatic posing etc. Alas, the original metal Chaos Terminators were always a tad too expensive for my teenage self, back in the 90s, and by the time the new plastic Chaos Terminators came around in 2007, I was still on my hobby hiatus. But when I returned to wargaming in 2010, a box of Terminators was a part of the first order I ever placed with GW, and the resulting squad was actually among the first things I built. Over time, I kept adding more models to the squad, since I wanted them to be a fitting retinue for my Chaos Lords. So here are pretty much all the Terminators I’ve come up with so far: First up, a Terminator wielding a chainfist and a Combi-Melta: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440324_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440325_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG As you can see, I added Khornate bunny ears to the model’s armour – a trait shared by pretty much all of my “regular” Terminators. On a related note, I am really glad that I didn’t break off all the weapon arms when the newly released codex said these guys could get either the combi-weapon or the special CC weapon. This oversight was fortunately corrected in the FAQ. Phew! Here’s a Terminator with a Heavy Flamer. You know, for the “Burn!” in “Kill! Maim! Burn!” http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440326_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440327_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG Funnily, this is also one of the few models actually wearing a Terminator helmet… In this case, it’s the one with the Rhinoceros like horn which I quite like. And while we are on the subject of special weapons, here’s a Terminator with a Reaper Autocannon: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440330_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440331_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG this model was actually converted from an AOBR loyal Terminator! I added some WFB Marauder shoulder pads to the Terminator’s knees to mask their loyal heritage… This next model was built to be the squad’s champion: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440328_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG Again, the model is armed with a chainfist and Combi-Melta. I used a leftover head from the FW Lord Zhufor kit to show this guy’s status as a champion. http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440329_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG And now, let me show you my favourite conversions in the squad: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440339_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG This guy was also converted from an AOBR Termie — from the very model that came as a giveaway with WD when 5th edition was released, to be exact. When I built this guy in early 2010, I was quite proud of myself for figuring out that the chaos bitz could be combined with the loyal AOBR models. It’s surely been some time since then, and I like to imagine that my more recent conversions are quite a bit more ingenious. But this is where it started http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440340_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG Here’s my favourite detail about the model, though: When I built it, I didn’t have enough chaos shoulder pads. So I used a really old WFB skeleton as a stand-in on the model’s right arm. Take a look: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440338_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG Pretty nifty, huh? Then there’s this guy, also converted from an AOBR model, from the sergeant in fact. http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440332_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440333_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG I really went all out on this guy back then, adding lots of skull trophies, chains, some very nice Chaos Knight pauldrons, and all new weapons. The horns came from the “Khornate head” from the regular CSM kit. The Pteryges loincloth worn by the model fits with the gladiatorial look of the World Eaters rather nicely. And finally, the squad’s (and company’s) standard bearer, brother Verak: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440341_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440342_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG Since the model is carrying an icon (from the WFB Warriors of Chaos) in its right hand, I had to find a way to combine the bolter and power fist, so I built a little “DIY Talon of Horus” by adding regular Bolters and an ammo feed from an old CSM heavy Bolter to the fist. I also used a shaved down berzerker head as a stylised helmet for the model, showing its special status in the squad. Although this guy was one of the first conversions I did after getting back into the hobby, he still holds up rather nicely, doesn’t he? Unfortunately, I have only managed to paint a single regular Terminator up until now. In fact, it was the first Terminator I ever painted. Here he is: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440334_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440337_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440335_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2012/12/12/440336_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Conversion%2C%20Khorne%2C%20Terminator%20Armor%2C%20Warhammer%2040%2C000.JPG This was my test model for the squad, so you may be able to spot how I was still finding my feet painting Terminators. I’ll definitely need to drill out the barrels at some point, since they look rather horrible. The base will also have to be changed to reflect the current look of my bases, but apart from that, I think this guy works out alright. The problem remains that these guys are quite a bit less fun to paint than they are to convert. These are also some of my older conversions, so they may lack the flair of some of the more current models. In addition to the rank and file Termies, I always like to convert a Chaos Lord or two. Here are some examples: First up, a Chaos Lord in Terminator armour wielding a pair of lightning claws: This guy may also be the start of a small, dedicated LC unit: http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448734_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448735_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448736_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG As you can see, the Chaos Termie Lord kit formed the base for the conversion (although the torso front came from the regular Chaos Terminators). I added a pair of SW Lightning claws, since I liked the extra sharp look of the claws. The head and right shoulderpad came from the FW World Eaters Terminators, while the Khornate bunny ears were cut off a WFB Finecast champion of Khorne. It seems like a very easy kitbash, but it took me ages to get the pose on this guy right. The second model I managed to complete has already appeared in some of my fluff is Brother Hokar, the 4th assault company's Master of the Guard. http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448738_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448740_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG The idea of using the great Chaos Knight pauldrons as a sort of cowl was lifted from Lamby’s excellent “Legion of Thorns” thread. I think it really adds character to a Terminator! I also had the idea of arming him in a rather unconventional way by giving him a spear and shield. I wanted this to reflect the World Eaters’ gladiatorial traditions: I imagine that gladiators in the grimdark of the far future would be trained to use different weapon configurations (pretty much like the gladiators in ancient Rome), so I thought it would be interesting to explore different loadouts for no other reason than to give some additional character to the individual models. I can imagine a bodyguard for Lorimar where every member is wielding a highly individual combination of weapons — wouldn’t that be cool? Anyway, as you can see, the model’s legs came from a SW Terminator. I felt the trophy pelt was a nice callback to the 4th assault company’s role as a hunting party. I used some bits from the Skullcrusher kit to make the armour on the legs look slightly more chaotic. http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/1/4/448737_sm-Chaos%2C%20Chaos%20Lords%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marines%2C%20Chaos%20Space%20Marrines%2C%20Conversion.JPG Hokar also uses a shield from the Skullcrusher kit. Many people are skeptical of shields on Khorne models, but I felt that, as Master of the Guard, Hokar should really be equipped for defense as well as offense. Plus everyone who has seen the fantastically corny Spartacus series knows shields can be used in fairly creative ways… Phew, with this huge first post out of the way, let me welcome you once again to this WIP thread! Expect to see more updates soon! And, of course, I would be happy to hear any feedback, ideas, suggestions or questions you might have! In any case, thanks for looking and stay tuned for more!

Hi All! I have not ventured into this forum much despite owning a few Inquisitors, I usually keep them more aligned with my IG collection and WIP as they generally don't have their own retinue. I had been holding out for a dedicated Custodes subforum and now with the release of the new FW Beta rules for ALL the units I've decided now is the time to start this thread. I do have a fairly reasonable collection so far, albeit mostly unpainted. I blame that on deciding to go with the Solar Watch colour scheme... The guys have sooo much detail... I do think it is worth it in the end. My hobby goals for this year are to finish some random guard projects I haven't completed and then focus on getting a painted and playable Custodes army. Some pic's of my collection so far My initial purchase I actually have Trajann at a semi decent TT quality, but apparently not uploaded any pics of him yet I've built most my bikes! Although I do have 1-2? boxes left to build since I did these... My first bike and scheme testing, Vallejo colours helped me achieve the ivory and gold I wanted The Terminators are possibly some of my most favourite models in 40k atm And this is essentially my only fully painted model in a year or so of collecting... My xmaspresent from last year Which is now doubly so thanks for FW's release today! He's already washed, ready to assemble and magnetise Over the long weekend last week I managed to build 10 Custodians to finish of my battalion requirement I already had assembled and magentised 1 box, these guys I didn't bother with Local store had a 40-50% clearance sale on GW the other week picked up some more models that I probably didn't need... Hopefully will order some of the new Venatari soon too Having finally kicked off this thread, I hope it spurs me more to finish this army sooner! And for those wondering

Afternoon all. An intresting little story article has dropped on WarCom this afternoon with some new background for Warzone Chalnath. Story takes the form of a command meeting transcript discussing the redeployment of Tempestus units to engage the T'au. Could be evidence that the rumoured jump scion vs Vespid kill team box is real and we might not have to wait too long for a reveal? Chalnath Dispatches – At All Costs - Warhammer Community (warhammer-community.com) Let the hype and speculation begin!

Glad to see it hasn't been left to rot.

I have recently completed this piece as a combination of a sort “commission” and “in-character post “ in the form of a sort of lecture or de-briefing regarding the findings in the autopsy / forensic examination performed after the rather untimely demise of a member of the Deathwatch as further detailed in Frater @Lysimachus current Deathwatch PbP Game “ Murderers in Black” ( found here: Deathwatch: Murderers in Black (IC Thread) I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. C&C welcome as always! +++++++++++++++++++++++ The Autopsy of Brother Dendinius. +++++++++++++++++++++++ …. The kill-team had assembled in a small medicae theater inside the Apothecarium. The hololithic projection of the ill-fated Librarian rotated slowly in their midst, fading in and out like a haunting ancestor spirit from some tribal death world. A sharp triangular angry red wedge displayed the path the Black Templar’s sword had taken. After an encouraging nod from the Watch Captain Skaayn, Amaras addressed the Killteam. He was clad in his full warplate and had apparently not released it since the incident in the dormitory. “Brothers, he began. “ I have been asked to brief you all on the essential findings following the recent completion of the post mortem examination rituals regarding the cause of death of Brother-Librarian Dendinius” “First off,it grieves me to report that, due the extent of his injuries. we were sadly only partially successful in the recovery of the Brother- Librarian’s gene-seed. The retrocervical node in particular was completely destroyed. There are also some …further…. complications … that have arisen from the findings during this examination that may make returning it to his Chapter.., well, …problematic.” The apothecary reached inside the projection, bringing up the red smear running through the librarian’s body. “But let us not get ahead of things. First, have a look at this. There is obviously no need to tell any of you that, given the point of entry, the force involved and the resulting trajectory of the attack, the traumatic progression of damage resulting from these injuries led to a progressive cascade of critical damage to several essential physiological processes which- especially in sequence - produced an unavoidable, inevitable and almost imminent lethal outcome “ Amaras ran an armoured finger along the red line, pointing slowly at several locations of the enlarged image. “The death of Brother Dendinius was therefore indeed directly caused by a massive application of sharp edged physical force. There was extensive damage to several neuralgic nodes and neurofibers along the upper cervical vertebrae sequence. These were in addition to vast incisive rupturing of major circulatory vessels along the path of entry before the blade passed down to and through the upper bronchial bifurcation of his primary lung, a considerable part of the multi-pulmonal augmenting implant as well as resulting in direct piercing damage to both the primary and secondary heart. This sequence of combined damage led to a cascading combination of physical and neural inhibitions or paralyzation, which culminated in an almost immediate inability to uphold even the basic circulatory processes which would be required to uphold even basic emergency cerebral functions. It is entirely clear from the extent and form of application of said sharp physical force that the attack was clearly designed and executed with the purpose and intent of ensuring a maximum level of damage with the explizit aim of a lethal outcome with xtensive knowledge of the physical processes involved and clearly aimed on being executed on a subject belonging to the Adeptus Astartes - ensuring a lethal outcome per extremis. This was clearly done with the stated purpose of killing a Space Marine with almost certain outcome and in the shortest amount of time possible as well as the intention of reducing the possibilities of countering the damage done or any form of response as much as possible.” An expression of grief seemed to play over the apothecary’s pale features. “So, as it stands, Brother Dendinius did indeed die as a direct result and the given time due to the wounds caused by the attack as performed by Brother Gerhardt.” Amaras shot the Mantis Warrior a sidelong look. The ghost of smile reached his lips. “ And there is no indication that his death might have been caused in anyway by something related to the Brother Liberian’s dietary choices.” There was a subdued cough. Amaras turned to the Watch-Captain and gave him a short nod . “My apologies, Watch Captain.” The smile faded. “Moving on…Brother Librarian Dendinius thus indeed died due to an expertly applied form of primarily sharp physical force designed and applied in a way that ensured the death of a member of the Adeptus Astartes. The level of skill involved in this is quite remarkable, as it is as sophisticated as it is clearly deliberate. It is certainly not something you would apply or perform from at a momentary lapse of judgment or loss of emotional control. This might seem obvious, but it is important to note that this emphasizes the initial impression that Brother- Librarian Dendinius was not just killed. His death was a caused intentionally and with clear and extensive deliberation. At the same time it also appears, at first glance at least, needlessly complex. Even if performed as an conscious act of execution, there are several other techniques that come to mind which would have provided a similar lethal outcome - especially in a rather confined environment like that of our deceased brother’s personal cell. This level of deliberation and precision would make the entire event extremely suspect on its own. And, as you can see here…” A flurry of gestures increased the magnification along the wound, pushing it intro a projection of microscopic overlays. “This is a close-up of the incision edge along the trajectory progression of the application of sharp force in progression along the line of entry on a cellular level. Note how this is an almost geometrically precise straight line along the edge of the cut. There is very little deviation along the trajectory, nor any extensive undulating displacement of the surrounding cellular tissue beyond the shearing of the mass and the weight of the weapon’s progression and the unavoidable direct and indirect heat derived deformation caused by the weapon’s power field. Horizontal and vertical drift along the entire line of cut are almost negligible. Even if we include the influence and effects of the extensive cauterization and sub-cellular compression caused by the direct and indirect thermal interaction caused by the power field as well as the effects of unavoidable reaction like subconscious micro-musculo-or physiological base line reaction to the direct stimuli or physical processes involved, this level of precision is absolutely… remarkable.“ Amaras paused. “Note that I mean this with no disregard to the abilities of any warrior, present company included. But this isn’t the work of a warrior. But I doubt eben one of the blade adepts of one of the wretched Aeldari could inflict a wound at this level of precision on someone in combat. This level of precision… the shape of the wound on display here… well, …it’s quite literally … surgical. In every sense of the word. There is virtually no way to inflict sharp edged damage at this level and over the length and area involved on a living subject in a combat situation. And these structures here” Amaras fingers flexed, skimming up and down along the hololithic imagery as he displayed his findings, focussing here, then re-focussing elsewhere on the details, then rushed towards the next. At this level of magnification, the cellular details shot past around the kill team eerily reminiscent of a fighter craft on an attack run at almost ground level. The Watch Captain felt suddenly grateful the Emperor’s great Work had granted the gift of Lyman’s Ear to his Chosen. “… are clearly proof of early onset immuno-baric and haemophilia-defensive processes, so we can indeed clearly establish that the body of Brother Dendinius was still physically alive at the time of the injury or at least shortly after the application and that his physiology attempted to react to the traumata it inflicted. The only other time I have seen histographic cell structuring like this would on something like a sample taken from a chirugeon’s work.” Amaras waved an armoured hand. The killteam found itself suddenly drifting along inside something like the straight lines long, very accurate rectangular hall. The Apothecary gestured at the crisply cut cellular walls. “Thus, the only we way this seems possible is to assume that the Brother-Librarian was not simply caught unaware or unconscious but, for some reason either massively sedated and or perhaps allowed …or maybe even willed… for Brother Gerhardt to perform this attack. Another hand gesture. The eerie landscape of the Librarian’s damaged inner workings fell away beneath them. For a moment, the kill team found themselves once more drifting around the rotating full body image of Dendinius again. Then they plunged down again like a drop assault from near orbit as Amaras zoomed into another point of interest. They raced towards the curved surface the Librarian’s inner arm. There was a set of shuffling noise as some of the Astartes unconsciously braced for the impending impact. “As Watch Captain Skaayn has already noted, there were no indications of a struggle or any sort of defensive action. And we could not find any further recent external injury during our examinations - except for this.” The image shot towards a slightly discolored pinprick along the skin, then widened into a sort of crater which opened into a tunnel like cavity as the hololithic projection rushed into ever higher levels of magnification. “Again, this is an application of outside physical force with a combination of initial sharp and tearing force and resulting displacement. But it’s obviously on a much smaller area of impact and features a clear circular application along the trajectory. Please note the textural composition of the wound cavity, as opposed to what I have shown you before” Zidemy looked around and immediately saw what the Apothecary meant. His calling and expertise as a Techmarine allowed him an almost reflexive insight into an object’s material properties and as a native of Nocturne provided him ample experience with the insides of subterranean structures. So, even if there had not been any form of context regarding his surroundings, he would have been able to identify the tunnel-like structure they were now witnessing as something clearly created artificially. The lines to straight, edges too sharp. His expert senses easily found some imperfections. A few scratches here and there, some hint of circular lining around the walls, where something had unevenly scratched along the way like some form of drill, even a slight detour where it might have wobbled for a moment at some inconsistency or resistance in the material as the work advanced. This tunnel was still very precise and thus clearly artificial but nothing like the laser etched sharpness they’d seen before. This tunnel…. Zidemy blinked. While he had intellectually processed the information already, suddenly, he was very consciously aware of the fact that he was technically inside a bullet hole… “… which was probably caused by the application of some sort of high velocity kinetic projectile of small dimensions and calibre “ Amaras continued, then shrugged. “I am an Apothecary and certainly not a forensic adept. But if I had to guess, I’d put a high probability that this was caused prior to the sword wound and most likely by some sort of needle weapon. Again, we have the corresponding early haemodynamic and immunobharic reactions which imply that this injury certainly occurred in vivo. So we now have two external injuries inflicted from the outside by force in relation to the death of Brother Dendinius. Most importantly, however, I was able to extract traces of a bio-chemical compound from this wound’s termination point which correspond with others sampled during the progressive post-mortem corporeal and haemo-analytical bio-alchemical rituals. I revisited these findings and the follow-up rituals again brought up these compounds in high contractions in various samples. That were especially plentiful among samples taken from various lines of supra- and trans-glomeric stratea of oolothic kidney tissues. Unfortunately, I was at first unable to identify this substance and could not not trace this to any substance in common use among the Apothecary of our Adeptus as it is not prescribed along the guidelines of the Codes Astartes.” Amaras paused, looked up at Skaayn, then each of the other Astartes in turn. “My current position as de facto Apothecary Primus of this Watch Bastion allows for some … liberties. This allowed me to broaden the search since I was able to establish partial access into the inquisitorial archives of the Bastion.” He took a deep breath. “I have thus been able to trace the alchemical compounds in question. They are in fact described as being employed in the creation and application in certain formula of high capacity verimeticae for use by operatives of the Ordos of HIS holy Inquisition. As a substance, this is apparently a high capacity sedative and hypnoticum intended to induce a heightened state of suggestibility and tranquillity. It seems primarily intended for use during interrogations. In the form encountered here, it has also obviously been explicitly adapted for use on Astartesian physiology. “ Amaras paused, letting this part sink in. “So can we must assume that, at the time of his death, Brother-Librarian Dendinius was heavily sedated and under the influence of a substance used primarily by the Inquisition. But I am afraid that’s not all..” The Apothecary waved his hand. The display flickered and a slowly turning heraldic sigil of the Deathwatch replaced the anatomical hololithic imagery. “Early diagnosticae screening already suggested potential additional intra-cranial damage. But due to the already substantial loss of structural integrity, we opted for in toto dissection of the upper cervical structures and the entire head immediately after the initial exterior examinations, to be removed and kept in stasis until we finished the majority of the post mortem internal examination protocols. The light of Emperor must have guided us in this.” Amaras looked even paler in the dim light of the hololith. He folded his hands over his armoured chest into the sign of the Aquila. “Once we retrieved the Verizon-cranial remains from stasis lock later on , the very initial trans-cranial cross-section immediately revealed upon evenpre-liminary visual inspection that the librarian’s brain had obviously been undergoing a series of massive, imminent and aggressively expanding phases of tera-genetic transmogrification.” There was another pause. The Apothecary of the Charnel Guard seemed to chew on his lower lip for moment, edges of pronounced, sharp eye teeth suddenly visible. “Again, my actual experience and overall circle of initiation into the Arts of the Apothecarion in these matters is - quite literally- rather limited here. Also, we immediately had to halt any further investigation to limit potential further exposure upon these findings. Again,being able to skim from some of this Bastion’s more… exotic… resources proved unexpectedly helpful. So at least I can present my suspicions regarding these findings with a substantial level of credibility.” Closing his eyes again, the Apothecary apparently calmed his thoughts by trying to put the unspeakable into a phrasing of more technical, if still occult terms. “Based on these findings, the process of transmogrification seems directly caused by at least imminent exposure, if not actual imminent influx of mutagenic empyrean energy. Most likely this was either directly or indirectly the result of some sort of exposition while under some sort of active psychic influence or usage of such an ability” There was at least one sharp intake of breath and a flurry of movement as several members of the kill team reflexively made signs of warding . “Given the extent of this process, this rapid neoplasticismatic transformation alone would have been undeniable lethal to Brother Dendinius on its own and most likely in extremely short order. At best estimation, with the apparent velocity of this development and the substantial exponential displacement at hand, increase in substance and continuing deformation of the surrounding neural and osseous substances, I’d project a high probability that at the culmination of final cerebral system failure might have been then accompanied by a sudden event of uncontrolled trans-cranial extrusional displacement.” Amaras opened his eyes again. He looked grim. “Looking at all things combined and in all likelihood, this turn of events was only prevented and did not occur due to timing and deliberation of the excessive injuries inflicted on the brother librarian’s body by the action of Brother Gerhardt shortly before.” The Charnel Guard licked his lips. “Upon its discovery, I had both the body and especially the remain of the upper cervical and cranial substance exhibits not only again stasis sealed but also placed under contra-empyric warding according to the essential rites regarding possible exposition or potential intrusion of empyrean energies. The servitor units used in the examination have been dismantled, their biological components cremated. The augmented components are being undergoing continued cleansing as we speak in preparation for similarly warded isolation until a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus of sufficient standing can be contacted on further proceedings. Likewise, the medicae serf staff involved have undergone putative mind-scrubbing and are currently in isolation, undergoing the proscribed rites of cleansing and purification before possible stasis warding until their potential fate regarding to the level of potential exposure and resulting risk of moral and empyrean contamination can be judged by suitable means.” Again, the hands of the Apothecary expressed the shape of the imperial Aquila. “The Emperor protects. Now. Sumis sumarum, from the findings of the post mortem examination rituals we can state that: A - Brother-Librarian Dendinius was indeed killed by a deliberate intrusion of sharp edged physical force enhanced by the application of sub-atomantic energy. The application of said force was almost instantly lethal and appears to been designed and performed with the clear idea and intent of projecting said lethal force by taking into consideration not only the fact that the subject at hand was a member of the Adeptus Astartes but also strongly hints that the attacker was aware of an active level of psychic action and possibly empyrean influence occurring within the primary neural processing matterof the deceased battle-brother “ B - At the time of his death, it must be assumed that Brother-Librarian Dendinius was under the influence of at least one substance not regulated by the Codex Astartes. The substance in question has been documented as being used by adepts of the Ordos of HIS Holy Inquisition. Said substance must be assumed to have been explicitly selected or at least deliberately adapted for use on a member of the Adeptus Astartes. It was most likely of a highly sedative, hypnotic and pro-suggestive nature. Said substance was introduced to the deceased physiology prior to his death, from the outside and by external means, at close quarters or possibly over a short distance. The selected form involved into the application is also outside of the regulations of the Codex Astartes. The findings open up the possibility of said substance being applied or at least supplied by an outside party. C - At the time of his death, the Brother-Librarian’s brain matter was in the process of undergoing a massive, imminent and aggressively expanding phase of tera-genetic transmogrification. Substantial evidence exits of this process of transmogrification being directly caused by at least imminent exposure, if not the actual imminent influx of a substantial amount of empyrean energies, in all likelihood either directly or indirectly caused due to some sort of direct exposition to or active use of some sort of psychic influence or use of psychic ability. Given the extent of this process, this rapid neoplasticismatic transformation alone would have been undeniable lethal on its own and in extremely short order. At best estimation, with the apparent velocity of this development and given the amount of substantial and exponential displacement , this increase in substance and assuming a continuing deformation of the surrounding neural and osseous substances would suggest that, at a very high probability, the state of final and terminal cerebral system failure might have been then accompanied by a sudden event of uncontrolled trans-cranial extrusional displacement, leading to to the explosive projection and exposition of physical as well as empyrean substances. D - Further direct or indirect harm by such a sudden exposure to empyrean energy, up to including the potential influx of empyrean entities did in all likelihood only not occur due to timing, choice and application of the excessive injuries inflicted on the brother librarian’s body by the actions of Brother Gerhardt just shortly before this course of events. E - The findings of these post mortem examination rituals can however not specify if the actions of Brother Gerhard were employed to consciously contain this chain of event with the intent of minimizing potential collateral physical and or empyreanic damage or if they were consciously intended to obscure the situation and the involvement of possible third parties by their potential reveal following such an event and the revelation of the extent of involvement of psychic and / or empyrean factors in this event by terminating the Brother Librarian beforehand by more obvious and clearly physical means.” Amaras let out a long breath. He looked at his assembled brothers. He realized he had very little experience on the outlook or expertise of the Astartes present. “I assume you understand that this situation is grave. Ley me put this in ..less big words: Yes. Brother Gerhardt killed the Librarian. With a very big sword. And while the Librarian was already drugged. With something used most often by the Inquisition. And while his brain was being warped inside his skull and only had not yet exploded at the time because either Brother Gerhardt put a sword through his neck or someone had Brother Gerhardt put a very big sword through him just before it could explode.” Amaras growled “Emperor help me! This isn’t a just murder - This is either an assassination or a bloody miracle! “ “ …..

For once it has not been months since the last update. I have had a fairly productive week and actually managed to clear several of the partly painted models off of my desk: The scouts from the Killteam salvation box are now done, as is my Gladiator lancer, but forgot to photograph that. This grey knights Librarian, is a kit bash based on the terminator librarian from the leviathan boxed set, actually finished it a couple of weeks ago, but just remembered to paint it. Also to add to my home-brew marine army are a multi-melta armed eradicator, a kitbashed phobos librarian, a terminator captain and a 3d printed proxy for a centurion, that fitted in better with the Primaris aesthetic. I like how it turned out so will print another couple to make a full squad. Some Aeladri models I have had laying around for ages I finally finished of with quick paint jobs - a 3rd Support weapon to go with my others and a couple of jetbike warlocks to act as an escort to my Jetbike farseer. Next up, it's Tau time with the kroot hunting pack I have already built and primed and the new combat patrol and other models I pre-ordered on Saturday. I also managed to pick up a couple of bits of Kill team scenery I was missing on e-bay over the weekend, which should hopefully arrive soon.

Introduction The Salamanders had come to the Segmentum Obscurus with a contingent of over 160 Astartes hailing from the 1st, 2nd and 5th Companies, along with their respective Captains, to fight in the ill-fated Yttrius Crusade (883M41). At its conclusion, their numbers had been significantly reduced; the veterans of the 1st Company were either dead or incapacitated, the 2nd and 5th Companies had been cut to half of their starting strength, and their drop pods had been exhausted. However, they still had a full compliment of Astartes tanks, skimmers and aircraft; this bode well for the weakened Astartes who could not ignore humanity's pleas for help in the Matteus Delta system. A formation of Salamanders armour moves through the industrial sector of Dakota Primus, in the early days of the city's defensive efforts against the Ork invaders. As the acting commander of the Salamanders strike force, Captain R'Keth answered the call to defend Dakota Minor. He lead his 2nd Company alongside 5th Company elements aboard their Strike Cruiser Serpentine, to the Ork infested world. R'Keth also ordered the deployment of the sacred Land Raider "Celestial Hammer", much to the chagrin of the Techmarines who felt it inappropriate to field the relic war machine without the Firedrakes. Given the surplus of armour assets and the dearth of Astartes crew, Salamanders from the 2nd and 5th Companies had to work together to ensure enough vehicles could be deployed and operated on the battlefield. Land Raider Phobos "Celestial Hammer" The Phobos-pattern Land Raider “Celestial Hammer” is one of the oldest Land Raiders in the Salamanders armory. During the Dakota Minor campaign, Captain R’Keth authorised the use of the Celestial Hammer in the later days of the war, requiring Techmarines from the 2nd and 5th Companies to crew. The Techmarines protested at first, and so too did the Land Raider’s machine spirit, but Captain R’Keth was quick to remind them of their duty to the Emperor’s people. The Celestial Hammer was the tip of the spear during the assault on the Harkon West Industrial Precinct, which has been captured by the opportunistic Steel Reavers in the last days of the war. Land Raider “Celestial Hammer”, under command of 5th Company Techmarine Fe’var, armed with heavy bolters, twin-linked lascannon sponsons and a pintle-mounted multi-melta. Rhino Gun'vek Gun’vek is one of the newer Rhinos in the 2nd Company’s armoury, and has only seen combat a handful of times. Gun’vek was instrumental in keeping the Salamanders' Tactical Squads mobile within the city of Dakota Primus, providing fire support with its storm bolter as the Astartes entered the fray. Gun’vek was the only deployed Rhino that survived the war for Dakota Minor intact; a total of nine Rhinos were immobilised or destroyed in the conflict. Rhino Gun’vek, dedicated transport of the Salamanders 2nd Company. Razorback Mir’Tar Mir’Tar is an aged razorback, equipped with the rare pattern twin-linked plasma guns and lascannon turret. It has served the 2nd Company well over the last two millennia, and though not considered as a relic like the Celestial Hammer, it is revered by many in the 2nd Company. Its most notable campaigns have been permanently painted on the left-hand side of the vehicle: the Foreshore Crusade in M39, the Purge of Venturi IX in M40, and the Starfire Campaign of M41. Razorback Mir’tar, armed with twin-linked plasma gun/lascannon turret, storm bolter and hunter-killer missile. Predator Destructor Persephius A variant of the Predator Destructor rarely seen in the late 41st millenium, Persephius features a pair of sponson-mounted heavy flamers for close-range engagements. The city of Dakota Primus had numerous road junctions and wide alleyways that were ideal for funneling Orks into kill zones for Persephius to decimate at close-range, and obliterating Ork armour at medium-to-long range with its autocannon. Predator Persephius, armed with two heavy flamer sponsons, autocannon turret, and pintle-mounted storm bolter. Land Speeders Pre'tir and Antanar Captain R'Keth sought to take advantage of the speed and maneuverability of their fleet of infrequently used Land Speeders, against the slower and disorganised Orks. Having become familiar with the Raven Guard’s tactical doctrine during the Yttrius Crusade, the crew of the Land Speeders Pre’tir and Antanar destroyed many Ork scrap tanks and skimmers in a month-long series of hit-and-run engagements. They finally ran out of fuel and ammunition on the 44th day, and the crew were forced to abandon their craft. Pre’tir was recovered and refurbished after the war, but Antanar was never seen again. Land Speeder Tornadoes Pre’tir (left) and Antanar (right), each armed with a heavy bolter and assault cannon.

Introduction Splinter fleet Zahhak was part of a much larger Tyranid hive fleet that entered the galaxy from below the galactic plane, which would be designated Leviathan in 997M41. Zahhak first entered the Matteus Subsector in 927M41 and struck the various worlds within, focusing on the worlds within the Matteus Epsilon system. However, the relatively remote location and the resilience of the native flora prevented the Splinter Fleet from breaking out into the neighbouring subsectors and the greater Segmentum. Combined with a timely Imperial response to the Tyranid incursion, Splinter Fleet Zahhak was crushed after several months, reduced it to nothing more than a seasonal pest for the two Imperial worlds. A Tyranid swarm charges the Imperial defences on Barbed Gate. Splinter Fleet Zahhak’s appearance, galactic movements and strategic behaviour was very similar to Leviathan, which was the reasoning for being later designated as the same Hive Fleet in 999M41. What distinguished Zahhak from the bulk of Leviathan was inception into the galaxy seventy years ahead of the rest of Leviathan. Additionally, many bioforms were identified in Zahhak that had not been recorded in the First Tyrannic War, and most have not been seen since. It is theorised by members of the Ordo Xenos and other Imperial biologists that this splinter fleet was more experimental than its bulk, and was assessing potential attack vectors before committing itself to a wide-scale invasion through the galactic plane. Unique bioforms that have been sighted among Zahhak’s forces; some of which have yet to be sighted in other Hive Fleets. Sometime after the galactic invasion of Hive Fleet Leviathan in 997M41, Splinter Fleet Zahhak would be re-designated as Hive Fleet Leviathan Splinter “34-Omicron”, and remembered by the Imperium as a lesser conflict with the Tyranid species. Some of the bioforms unique to Zahhak would reemerge in Leviathan and other hive fleets, albeit with variations and improvements. A Tyranid Mawloc (above) and a Hive Crone (below), of Splinter Fleet Zahhak. Both bear similar markings to Hive Fleet Leviathan. The Invasion of the Matteus Epsilon System Hive Fleet Zahhak made planetfall on the two Imperial civilised worlds of Black Jewel and Barbed Gate in the Matteus Epsilon system, in 927M41. The alarm was raised by Inquisitor Malethann of the Ordo Xenos, thanks to the efforts of Kill Team Rapier on the outer reaches of the system. They confirmed the presence of a Tyranid hive fleet en route to Barbed Gate from below the star system plane. The sudden incursion of Tyranids so far from the Eastern Fringe (the locale of what would be known as the First Tyrannic War) prompted a drastic response from Battlefleet Agripinaa and the local Astra Militarum regiments. A Black Templars crusade fleet that had been using Matteus Epsilon as a refueling and rearming station also heeded the call and declared the beginning of the "Barbed Gate Crusade". Finally, Kill Team Rapier and members of the Ordo Xenos were involved for the more complex assignments, namely assassinations and recovery of key Tyranid alphas and synapse creatures. A Black Templars strike force engages Zahhak in a spearhead assault, in the wildlands of Barbed Gate. The Tyranid splinter fleet quickly found itself in a ruthless conflict with not only the human defenders, but also the hardy and protruding flora of Barbed Gate and Black Jewel, for which even the ravenous xenos were under-prepared to consume. These difficulties saw Zahhak easily divided and cut off from the bulk of their hive species, making them easy prey for the Imperial forces. The effective culling of the various synapse creatures and leaders, thanks to the efforts of Kill Team Rapier, also saw the efficacy of the splinter fleet's strategies and tactics significantly weaken over time. Eventually, after several months, the splinter fleet had found itself disconnected from the Hive Mind; the Tyranids bioforms of Zahhak reverted to their base instincts, and took refuge in the barbed foliage native to Barbed Gate and Black Jewel. They ceased to be a true threat to the Imperium, reduced to nothing more than a season pest to the human controlled worlds. But with the ever increasing number of Tyranid hive fleets entering the galaxy in the decades to come, it is likely a question of when, not if, the remnants of Splinter Fleet Zahhak will rejoin the Hive Mind... The Tyranid Prime known as the the “Caustic Menace”, is ambushed by Kill Team Rapier within the protruding flora native to Barbed Gate.

Introduction Like many established Imperium worlds, Dakota Minor has a planetary defence force simply known the Dakota Minor Defence Corps (or DMDC). Most of its number are conscripted from the local population; a small number of citizens willingly join to escape the tedium of farm life that is prevalent on Dakota Minor. The DMDC is organised in a manner similar to Astra Militarum regiments, albeit more limited in their makeup. For the most part, it consists of dozens of infantry battalions, mechanised infantry battalions and light armour squadrons. DMDC corpsmen are on average sub-par for the standards of the Astra Militarum; physical standards, marksmanship and discipline is moderately enforced. In addition, much of their equipment is passed downed from the Asokan Rifles, (as part of an agreement between the governors of Dakota Minor and Asoka), and so the DMDC is forced to make do with whatever equipment and munitions they are provided. Their second-hand arsenal limits them to small arms, transports and scout units, along with a variety of weapons and equipment that saw limited production on Forge World Agripinaa. The undiscliplined and under-equipped DMDC corpsmen are overwhelmed by the advancing Orks, on the outskirts of Dakota Primus. Dakota Minor does not have its own division in the Astra Militarum, instead offering its best recruits to the Asokan Rifles and the Sartorian Rangers as part of its tithe. DMDC Archer-Sentinel The Archer-Sentinel is a variant of the Sentinel walker, armed with a Typhoon multiple missile launcher and a Hunter-Killer missile. It was only produced on Forge World Agripinaa and only in production for 50 years, after many Astra Militarum regiments dismissed it as “useless and redundant”. The DMDC received a massive shipment of this Sentinel variant form the Asokan Rifles in 843M41, and then-Governor Golffe believed she scored a great deal. After many wargames and simulations, it was discovered that the Archer Sentinel was not suitable for long range combat due to requiring direct line of sight, nor was it suitable for close quarters due to its high profile and minimum range required for its missile salvoes. These drawbacks were easily exploited during the Ork invasion in 884M41, whose preference for close quarters combat forced DMDF Sentinel pilots to launch their payload near point-blank or be swarmed by Orks. DMDC Archer-Sentinel, with its standard loadout of Typhoon missile launcher, hunter-killer missile and searchlight. Personalised markings are common on DMDC vehicles. The DMDC were nonetheless forced to employ these legions of walkers to hold back the Orks in the Liberation of Dakota Minor, fuelling and arming them at little as possible. Sentinel pilots were drafted from the infantry battalions, and would received the minimum training required to drive the walkers. The war of Dakota Minor would be a victory for the Imperium, but only an academic review could prove if the near-sacrifical tactics of the Archer-Sentinels were to thank for the success. DMDC 50th Infantry Battalion The 50th Infantry Battalion is one of the "esteemed" battalions of the DMDC, having been the winners of multiple wargames held annually on Dakota Minor. Their accomplishments were less a result of skill and more lack of competition. The life of the DMDC is a privileged and uneventful one (relative to the rest of the populace of Dakota Minor) and the wargames are seen by many DMDC Battalions as a large social event, with troopers engaging in fraternisation and consumption of alcohol. Despite their success in the wargames, the 50th Battallion are no stranger to the festivities of the annual wargames. DMDC 50th Battalion corpsmen holding their ground in the ruined processing plant of Dakota Primus. The Ork Invasion in 884M41 was the first true trial-by-fire for the DMDC as a whole, and they were woefully unprepared for the xeno menace. The combination of poor skill, poor discipline, and subpar equipment saw entire battalions decimated under the green tide. The 50th Battalion was fortunate to be assigned an Astartes support during the defence of Dakota Primus, the capitol hive. With the Astartes leadership, the 50th corpsmen rallied behind the superhuman figthers and fought tooth and nail against the Ork invaders. After eight weeks of combat, the Orks were eventually driven out of the hive and into the Adatok Wastelands to the north. DMDC 50th Battalion corpsmen, alongside Adeptus Astartes of the Salamander chapter, force the Ork invaders out of the hive and The 50th Battalion would receive a commendation directly from Chaplain Numasus of the Salamanders, for their "outstanding courage and feat of arms in the face of the xenos menace", during the defence of Dakota Primus. They would be the only DMDC element to receive battle honours from the chapter at the conclusion of the war for Dakota Minor. The honour was begrudgingly given by the Salamanders chaplain, but Captain R'Keth felt that the 50th's bravery in the defence of their world needed to be acknowledged, despite the performance of the other batallions. Had the Salamanders been any other Adeptus Astartes chapter, their appraisal of the DMDC could have been far more damning...

Introduction The Great Adar was a near-1000 year old Astartes who served the chapter as one of it's many revered Dreadnoughts. He was previously known as Bresh’Tan Adar, an Assault Marine Sergeant of the Salamanders 2nd Company. After suffering grievous injuries in combat 840 years ago against the Arch Enemy, his fractured body was interred into the sarcophagus of a Dreadnought. This is when he became The Great Adar, “last survivor of the Drop Site Massacre”. That statement is begrudging accepted by the veterans of the chapter, but many of the younger Astartes heed his stories and wisdom as if he was truly ten millenia old. The Great Adar alongside his brothers of the 2nd Company, engaging Ork skirmishers on the outskirts of Dakota Primus. During his mortal life, Adar took a great interest in the Salamanders history, and frequented the Librarius in his spare time. It is hypothesised that since his interment, his historical knowledge and personal memories have blended together, culminating in his belief of being a survivor of the Istvaan V battle during the Horus Heresy ten millenia ago. Despite repeated reminders from the Techmarines, The Great Adar still vividly “remembers” the betrayal of his brothers and succumbing to his injuries on Istvaan V. Many veterans of the chapter speculate he is actually remembering the fall of his Assault Squad at the hands of the Emperor’s Children (another participant of the Drop Site Massacre), on the death world Jacob’s Eye in 044M41, of which he was the lone survivor. Venerable Dreadnought "The Great Adar", equipped with power fist, heavy flamer, and twin-linked lascannon. In combat, The Great Adar is often equipped with a versatile arsenal, allowing him to serve as either a fire support platform or as an assault unit as required. His preference is the twin-linked lascannon for dealing with long-range threats, and the power fist with underslung heavy flamer for close engagements. Siege of Harkon West Industrial Precinct (Dakota Minor - 884M41) The Great Adar participated in many engagements on the world of Dakota Minor against the Orks and the Steel Reavers. His most notable actions was during the final battle against the Steel Reavers at the planet's largest industrial precinct, Harkon West. A combined force of Salamanders and Astra Militarum forces (including the 144th Asokan Rifles and the 37th Sartorian Rangers regiments) assaulted the precinct, forcing the Steel Reavers to make a last-ditch effort to fend off the Imperium forces. The Great Adar was among the Salamanders forces leading the Imperial charge into the precinct. A spearhead lead by the Salamanders' Land Raider Celestial Hammer attempted to cross the main bridge to enter the precinct. A barrage of rocket fire immobilised the Celestial Hammer before reaching the bridge, bringing the Salamanders' charge to a halt. The Venerable Dreadnought saw the need to maintain the momentum before they were counter-attacked, and thus continued toward the bridge. His Astartes brothers attempted to dissuade him over vox, telling him to wait until the rocket barrages had been dealt with, but his actions had emboldened the Sartorian Rangers forces into rushing the Steel Reaver defences alongside the Dreadnought. As The Great Adar charged head-on into the thin defence of the Steel Reaver forces, the Sartorian Rangers launched smoke grenades to screen their approach alongside the Venerable Dreadnought. With their targets obscured, the Steel Reavers resorted to firing their ordnance blindly into the smoke and quickly exhausted their arsenal. When the ceramite behemoth emerged from the smoke unleashing burning promethium, the Steel Reavers could do nothing but either fire their lasguns uselessly against the Dreadnought, or flee into the precinct. With that, the Imperial forces quickly secure the bridge and pressed forward without pause, cutting down the heretics as they retreated. The Great Adar leading Sartorian Rangers in an assault on the main bridge into Harkon West industrial precinct, overwhelming the Steel Reaver defenders Unbeknownst to the Imperial forces, the Steel Reavers had in fact sacrificed their more expendable units to defend the precinct entrance while their more elite forces were focused on stealing several Imperial cargo ships, carrying millions of tonnes of foodstuffs and promethium (accounting for a year's worth of tithes for Dakota Minor). Nevertheless, with the industrial precincts secured and the last of the Steel Reavers on Dakota Minor destroyed, the Imperium declared the second victory on Dakota Minor. With Dakota Minor secured for the Imperium once again, The Great Adar returned to the strike cruiser along with the surviving Salamanders, en route to Nocturne. He very much looked forward to the long rest, and to see his homeworld once again.

Introduction The Anvilbreakers are the 2nd Tactical Squad of the Salamanders 2nd Company, standing at seven members as of 884M41. They are experienced in fighting xeno warbands in close quarters, and would become instrumental in breaking the Ork and Steel Reaver sieges on Dakota Minor. Anvilbreakers (2nd Tactical Squad and Apothecary) The squad takes their name from a lesser known Nocturnean fable that describes a compulsive and overachieving blacksmith. The story is both comedy and a lesson in understanding limits (of oneself, their tools and their peers). Wielding flamers, the Anvilbreakers incinerate the heretic forces besieging the industrial sector of Dakota Minor. Current Members of the Anvilbreakers The Anvilbreakers are a Tactical Squad comprised of the following members: Sergeant Ukra'thelar Konn Konn is the esteemed leader of 2nd Company’s 2nd Tactical Squad. A sombre Astartes, Konn directs his squad with blunt efficiency. In between orders, he will take a moment to give thanks to the Emperor, often in the form of recited litanies and incantations. Ashamier Loc'ru Loc’ru is the youngest member of the Anvilbreakers. He is quiet but observant; not one to charge into the maelstrom of combat. He prefers instead to plant his feet and unleash torrents of burning promethium upon the foe. As such, he typically takes to the field with a Flamer or Meltagun. Invictiel Kel'dem Kel’dem is the oldest member of the Anvilbreakers. He is a devout follower of the Promethian Cult and the example set by the Emperor of Mankind, always risking his life to save his fellow Astartes and humans in danger. During the Ork siege of Dakota Minor, he saved dozens of civilians from harm. Ukra'orrn Zytal Zytal is a uncharacteristically wrathful Salamander in battle, who exterminates the enemies of man without mercy and without hesitation. Ironically, off the battlefield he is mellowed artisan of weapons and ornaments. His signature bolter is a gift from his late mentor, which he holds in high regard. Ur'bak Greon The bitter and spiteful Greon is a former member of the Magma Walkers, who were annihilated by Eldar raiders. On the battlefield, he never misses a moment to express his prejudice against the enemies of Man. Them’sire Felk’one Felk’one is a soft-spoken Astartes, and one of the eldest of the Anvilbreakers. He was a member of the Firedrakes until his age and injuries diminished his combat prowess. He and Kel’dem have a strong friendship. Dhirr’Ane Vulg Vulg is the newest member of the Anvilbreakers, though middle-aged compared to his squad members. He is an outspoken Salamander brimming with faith and confidence. He has aspirations to join the Reclusiam once he returns to Nocturne. Apothecary Ta’varr Dra’ner Dra’Ner is the uncharacteristically joyful Apothecary of the 2nd Company, who takes pride in the work he does for the chapter. This has varying effects on his battle brothers, who either take comfort in his diligence in preserving the Chapter’s geneseed, or who take offense at his lack of decorum whilst undertaking his duties. With the 1st Tactical Squad incapacitated and no other Company Veterans to call on, Captain R’keth made the Anvilbreakers his de facto Command Squad and attached Dra’ner for the remainder of the conflict on Dakota Minor.

In 884M41, the Lord-Governor of the civilised world Dakota Minor, petitioned the aid of several Space Marine chapters to crush the ever increasing Ork presence on his planet. Two chapters responded: the Salamanders and the Black Templars. At the eleventh-hour the Black Templars withdrew their support with regrets, and so the Salamanders alone came to the Lord Governor’s aid. The Salamanders force was led by Captain Ikarus R’Keth, commander of the currently under-strength 2nd Company, and was supplemented by elements of the 5th Company. Alongside a detachment of Battlefleet Agripinaa, the small Salamanders strike force broke the Ork fleet surrounding Dakota Minor and made planetfall. Despite being understrength, the Salamanders easily repelled the poorly coordinated Ork forces from the cities, and along the way inspired the local populace to rise up and fight the invaders. After three months of conflict, culminating in the total annihilation of the Ork Rok fortress (which had brought the Orks to Dakota Minor in the first place), the Imperial forces were victorious. The Lord Governor marked the victory with four days and nights of feasting (as was the custom on Dakota Minor), of which the Salamanders were the guests of honour. Unfortunately for the inhabitants of Dakota Minor, the renegade warband known as the Steel Reavers saw this as an opportunity to strike the planet. Their optimism proved to be folly, as the Imperial forces were quick to react to the newly invading forces, and able to match them in head-on engagements. After only a mere three weeks of fighting, the Steel Reavers were repelled and the Imperium again declared victory over Dakota Minor. Despite their defeat, the Steel Reavers were able to steal whole swathes of exotic resources and transport ships and take them to orbit, while the Imperial forces were occupied in combat. In addition, Captain R'Keth was slain in combat by a Chaos Space Marine champion. The Battlefleet Agripinaa detachment remained in orbit for several months in anticipation of a follow-up attack, though none came. The Salamanders forces were recalled to Nocturne shortly after crushing the Steel Reaver invasion to rearm and to assign a new 2nd Company Captain, whom would be Pellas Mir’san.

I attended the Renegade Open held in Plymouth, MN on 19 November. I walked through most of the events with friends over about an hour. I saw the 40K Friendly, the Barbicon Front (Horus Heresy) event, and Operation (Bolt Action). Here's some photos and commentary from my visit. Part One: The GW stuff Part Two: The Boards/Hobby stuff Part Three: Swag and conclusion Part Three: Swag and Conclusion After taking some pics, I headed to the vendor room. The vendor room was much smaller than in years past, but it wasn't a total letdown. I bought some can covers to keep my adult beverages nice and cool. I used my birthday as an excuse to take advantage of some deals. For $130 US, I purchased: a shining spears box an autarch box 2 shroud runner boxes 1 rangers box 1 sector imperialis debris box That retails for $333! My little closet store continues to grow. Thank goodness there wasn't anything Drukhari or Harlequin on sale. Conclusion While I can't say I had a great time playing at the Renegade Open, it was nice to pop in, take some pics, see where the hobby is outside my group, and get inspiration from players and organizers. As we head into winter here, I expect to have more time for gaming and building/painting. While I'm not going to be meeting some of the quality at Renegade, I do have some ideas and goals to make this crazy hobby a little more interesting and enjoyable. Thanks for reading!